Your gift to the Redford Township District Library helps fund library services to the community above and beyond what taxes provide. Gifts to the Library are an investment in our community’s future. When you give to the Library today, you place books in the hands of children, teens, and adult learners. You support activities that inspire a lifelong passion for reading and learning. You provide vital services to members of our community who are in need.

A remarkable woman, Frances Carpenter went back to school at the age of 65, earned her bachelor’s degree at the age of 72, then came to work at the Redford Township District Library in 1989. For many years, Frances was the “voice of the library,” calling to let patrons know when reserved items were available to pick up. In 2010, Frances retired at age 94, still sharp, active, and much-loved by patrons and staff alike.

Frances passed away in April, 2012, but her legacy lives on through the Frances Carpenter Endowment Fund for the Redford Township District Library. This endowment fund was established in Frances’ honor on her 90th birthday in March, 2006. Funds donated by her family, friends, and the Friends of the Redford Township District Library initially seeded the endowment, which has since received ongoing donations from many people. Making a contribution to the endowment is a fitting way to honor Frances, as it will give back to the library she loved for years to come.

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan holds the endowment (www.cfsem.org). Its monies are securely invested with a large pool, earning optimal dividends. As the fund grows, the Community Foundation gives the Library an annual grant of funding to support its mission.

Making a gift to the Library in this way may qualify donors for the best charitable income tax deductions. (Please check with your tax advisor.)

To contribute to the fund, please make your check or money order payable to Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan with a note in the memo field referencing Frances Carpenter or the Redford Township District Library. Your donation may be dropped off at the Library to the attention of the Director, or mailed to: